When the personal computer software industry was born in the mid 1980's, it was assumed that computer programs would be sold like books or records. But software was different and some innovative programmers started inviting users to try their software for free. This started the battle between open source software and proprietary software. This program examines the early phenomenon of shareware and freeware. Guests include Jim Button, founder of ButtonWare; Rusel DeMaria, author of Public Domain Software; Raines Cohen, Sysop of the BMUG BBS, Stephen Howard, BMUG librarian; and Vernon Buerg, operator of the Shareware BBS. Co-host is Gary Kildall. Shareware programs demonstrated include PC-File, ProComm, AutoMenu, Artisto, Stuff-It, Hyper-Zero, and PC-Write. Includes a visit to PC-SIG, at the time the world's largest mail order house for shareware. Originally broadcast in 1988.


This movie is part of the collection: Computer Chronicles

Keywords: freeware; BMUG; SRI; Buttonware; BBS; PC-SIG

Creative Commons license: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs

Individual Files

Write a review
Downloaded 5,768 times Reviews
Average Rating:

Reviewer: Sir MMPD Radick - - November 11, 2004
Subject: Interesting Look at Shareware as it once was.
Interesting look at Shareware when it was first starting out! I wish the mentality that was then stuck around... I sure am thankfull to those that are now releasing under Open Source & Freeware though! :)

One main thing struck me near the end... the price of DOS by IBM... $150 ?!?!?!?!?